Gym memberships are wonderful. They give you access to kick-butt equipment like the Stairmaster, kettlebells, and stability balls [1]. But these memberships can be costly on your bank account. Even apps like Zeamo [2] and FlexIt [3], which can cut the cost by letting you pay per minute at a wide range of facilities (in FlexIt's case) and purchase discounted passes while travelling (in Zeamo's case), might not be suitable for some people. Enter home workouts.
Finding the right equipment for your home can be hard. So, we wanted to help you out and give you a good place to start — the basics, if you will. Ahead, check out seven pieces of equipment that will bring the gym to you. Together, they total under $250, and instead of paying a recurring fee, you'll get to spend the money one time until you, perhaps, want to add more to your personalized gym (we wouldn't blame you). No, this list doesn't include a Stairmaster — those are definitely on the expensive side (see? [4]). And no, you don't have to buy all of these if you don't want to, but the following picks are great for building strength, perfecting stability, and training like a true fitness warrior.
Amivie Nonslip Circle Booty Bands
First thing's first: booty bands are great tools for adding resistance to glute (and even arm [5]!) exercises. These Amivie Nonslip Circle Booty Bands [6] ($23) won't move out of place or snap easily. Check out these trainer-approved booty band butt exercises [7] for inspiration.
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
Dumbbells are essential for moves like bicep curls, shoulder presses [8], and more. Add weights to squats and deadlifts to build strength. These Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells [9] ($45) weigh 40 pounds total and come with four five-pound and four three-pound plates, and you can take off plates as needed to adjust the weight of each dumbbell. Check out this arm and ab dumbbell workout [10] to start.
Kettle Gryp
Convert dumbbells to kettlebells with Kettle Gryp [11] ($35), which is something that I wish I knew existed a long time ago! This piece of equipment is efficient and is said to be able to hold dumbbells up to 55 pounds. Check out this CrossFit kettlebell workout [12] that takes just 10 minutes.
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper With Resistance Bands
This Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper With Resistance Bands [13] ($44) is cardio made convenient. It's in no way a Stairmaster, but it can help tone your lower body and brings the added bonus of resistance bands to work your upper body, too. Check out Halle Berry's resistance band workout [14] for inspiration.
JDDZ Resistance Training Straps
Like a TRX, these JDDZ Resistance Training Straps [15] ($47) are just what you need for upper body, leg, and core exercises like deltoid flies [16], pistol squats [17], and pikes [18]. They'll take bodyweight exercises up a notch. Plus, these come with rubber booty bands (because you can never have too many booty bands!).
UrbnFit Exercise Ball
This UrbnFit Exercise Ball [19] ($14-$27) comes in a range of sizes and will challenge your balance and stability. Need ideas? Check out this five-move ab workout [20] using an exercise ball.
ProsourceFit Folding Exercise Mat
This ProsourceFit Folding Exercise Mat [21] ($28, originally $35) is essential for ensuring that you can work out safely and comfortably in rooms that may not have carpet suited for floor exercises. Plus, you can even do yoga on it — like these superchill flows for stress [22].